Sculpture taken into storage ahead of relocation
A photo taken this week by local resident Chris Westhead shows the sculpture and fountain gone, with fencing and construction equipment now dominating the site.
A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “The leaf sculpture has been carefully removed and stored. “It will be given a new home in another Swansea location, with the artist being consulted as options are explored.”
(Image: Swansea Council)
Council previously set out plans for removal
The council previously said the sculpture would be taken down and stored while discussions took place with artist Amber Hiscott about a new permanent location. Cwmdonkin Park was identified as one of the options under consideration.
The removal formed part of the early works for the wider redevelopment, which aims to make Castle Square greener, more accessible and more flexible for events.
Part of wider £1bn regeneration
In earlier statements, Cllr Robert Francis‑Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, described Castle Square as a “pivotal location” in Swansea’s £1bn regeneration programme.
He said the new design would create “a fantastic place to meet, spend quality time and enjoy public events and gatherings”, complementing improvements already underway in Wind Street, Y Storfa, the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building.
Businesses around the square will remain open throughout the works.
Background on the Leaf Boat
The Leaf Boat sculpture was created by Swansea artist Amber Hiscott, inspired by Dylan Thomas’s poetry and the changing light over Swansea Bay. It was installed in 1996 after she won a council competition to design a public artwork for the square.
The contractor carrying out the removal, DAR Design, is the same firm that originally manufactured the sculpture in collaboration with the artist.
(Image: Swansea Council)
What the new Castle Square will include
The redevelopment will see Castle Square undergo a major redesign, with two new pavilion buildings introduced for food, drink or retail use. The council says the amount of greenery will increase significantly, rising from around a quarter of the site to more than 40%, with new lawns, ornamental planting and biodiverse landscaping creating a much softer, more welcoming environment.
A new ground‑level water feature is planned to replace the former fountain, designed for interactive play and flexible use during events. The scheme also includes a giant screen mounted above a bandstand‑style structure, along with new seating areas and improved public space throughout the square.
According to the council, the aim is to create a greener, more accessible and more versatile public space at the heart of the city centre, with work expected to continue into late 2026.
Please do relocate the “leaf water feature “ and also find a public place for the “ flower clock” that I believe is in storage, perhaps Southend Gardens.